Vehicle fluid change apparatus

ABSTRACT

A fluid transfer system includes elongated conduits connected at one end with couplings to a plurality of fluid reservoirs of a machine or engine and at the other end with a control valve for selective quick evacuation. Evacuation is powered by a pump operably connected to the control valve. Another embodiment includes a first pump for the evacuation of an engine oil reservoir and a second pump for the selective evacuation of transmission and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. The control valve and the pumps may be operated remotely through electrical switches on brackets or on a service panel. Associated methods of removing fluids and replacing fluids from a plurality of reservoirs includes coupling the fluid transfer system to the reservoirs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/772,604, filed on Jan. 30, 2001 now U.S. Pat.No. 6,708,710, which is a continuation in part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/435,375, filed on Nov. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,216,732, issued Apr. 17, 2001, which is a continuation in part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 08/961,339, filed on Oct. 30, 1997, entitled“Portable Fluid Transfer Conduit”, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to fluid transfer conduit having flowcontrol means and an adapter means for connection with a source offluid, and, in particular, to a portable fluid transfer conduit that isuseful in the removal of fluids from equipment which do not haveconveniently located outlet ports.

The invention also relates to apparatuses and methods for draining andreplacing fluids from reservoirs on vehicles and other equipment ordevices having one or more fluid containing reservoirs.

2. Description of the Invention Background

Many industrial machines and equipment have requirements for fluidexchanges. Examples of these include changing the oil in motors andengines or hydraulic fluid in presses and lifting equipment. Countlessother examples exist, but what is generally common to these machines orequipment is the fact that the outlet port is inconveniently located.Typically this is the result of having to remove the fluid from a sumpor drainage point that is located at the bottom of the machine toutilize gravity flow.

While the task of removal is not difficult, it is often time consumingbecause of the inconvenient location of the fittings. However, in anumber of the newer or retrofit machines, fluid circulation pumps areprovided which are external to the machine or engine. Also, some of thenewer equipment is fitted with external prelubrication devices whichpermit oil or fluid to commence circulation prior to the activation ofthe primary equipment or engine on which it is fitted. Illustrative ofsuch devices is the prelubrication device shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,502,431 which is incorporated herein by reference, which is typicallyfitted to a diesel Engine used in power equipment, trucks or heavyequipment. Also, circulation devices used to heat hydraulic fluid areapplicable to the present invention.

Furthermore, in certain off-road heavy equipment, the reservoirscontaining their fluids may contain scores of gallons of fluid, whichtake unacceptably long to drain and refill. For example, in someequipment an engine oil sump or reservoir may contain up to 150 gallonsof oil; a transmission sump may contain up to 100 gallons oftransmission fluid; and a separate reservoir of hydraulic fluid to powerhydraulic functions may contain up to 500 gallons of hydraulic fluid. Inequipment valued from one hundred thousand to millions of dollars perunit, downtime costs are enormous. Accordingly, if downtime formaintenance in such apparatuses can be minimized, substantial economicbenefits will result.

Additionally there are numerous smaller devices and motors where accessto fluid discharge ports is difficult to reach or in which the fluidmust be assisted for removal. Examples include marine engines and thelike. In some small sized equipment, the engine must be inverted toremove the oil or other fluid. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,782,5,257,678 and 4,997,978.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide portable fluidtransfer conduit that will facilitate the removal of fluids remote fromthe discharge port. It is also an object of the present invention toprovide a conduit for use in fluid transfer that is adapted to fit adischarge port and remotely control the flow of fluid from an engine orequipment. Another object of the invention is to provide a portabletransfer conduit that includes fluid pump means for extracting fluidfrom a machine or engine. A further object of the invention is adaptermeans for connecting the fluid transfer conduit to an outlet port forsuch fluid. Another object of the invention is an adapter connector forcoupling an air evacuation means to purge or remove part of the fluidfrom the channels of the machine and filter. Yet another object is toprovide apparatuses and methods for facilitating the removal of fluidsfrom one or more fluid reservoirs to expedite fluid removal andchangeover. Closely related to these objects are the additional benefitsof saving time for the service technicians by making faster flow ratesfor removal or replacement fluids possible, thus increasing efficiency,creating a safer environment by providing controlled evacuation andreplacement of fluids from a remote location, thus minimizing spilling,and contributing to noise reduction by providing a remote fluidreplacement location so that engine compartments may contain more fixednoise shields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention comprises a portable fluid transferconduit having at least one flexible fluid conduit. Typically theconduit is made from a rubber or polymeric material, stainless steelbraiding or the like. In most typical applications it comprises apolyethylene or propropylene tubing. The conduit includes an inlet portand an outlet port. The inlet port is adapted for connection with thedischarge port of a fluid source such as the sump of an engine, ahydraulic sump, a transmission sump, or a prelubrication pump. In onepreferred embodiment of the invention, a coupler is provided at theinlet port to couple the conduit with discharge port of the fluidsource. Most preferably, a quick connect-disconnect fitting is securedto the inlet port of the conduit and a mateable fitting therewith at thedischarge port.

A flow control means is positioned adjacent the outlet port of theconduit for controlling the flow of fluid from said source, such as anengine sump, through the conduit. In one preferred embodiment, the flowcontrol means includes an actuator electrically connected to means forpumping the fluid from said fluid source, such as a prelubrication pumpused in a diesel or internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, theflow control actuator includes disconnectable electrical connectionmeans for control of the pump means.

In a second preferred embodiment, the flow control means comprises apump for pumping the fluid from the fluid source through the conduit.The actuator includes electrical means such as a battery pack orconnections to an external source of power such as an electrical walloutlet or battery on vehicle or equipment. The electrical connection issimilar to the first embodiment in which disconnectable electricconnectors are used. In the case of the battery pack or portable powersource, the preferred pump is a lightweight dc-motor or ac-motor drivenpump in which a small lightweight rechargeable battery pack is mountedas part of the flow control means. The pump may be portable or handheld.

In another embodiment of the invention, a conduit having a female ormale coupling is used to connect an air gun or supply source of airpressure. The conduit includes a fitting in the line between theprelubrication pump and the system filter. This is preferably used priorto the removal of oil from the system to clear oil channels and at leastsome of the oil from the filter to simplify oil removal and make itsafer for the workers.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a flow controller includes apump for pumping fluids selectively from a plurality of fluidreservoirs, such as the engine, hydraulic and/or transmissionreservoirs. For three fluid reservoirs, for example, a three-positioncontrol valve selectively connects the pump to three conduits, which arein fluid communication with the engine, hydraulic and transmissionsumps, respectively. The pump may be mounted on the engine or thevehicle or may be portable or even handheld.

Other embodiments include a first pump fluidically connected to theengine oil reservoir and a second pump fluidically connected to aplurality of other fluid reservoirs, such as a hydraulic and atransmission reservoir. Each of these pumps may be mounted on the engineor the vehicle or may also be portable or handheld.

In addition to the pumps that are mounted on the vehicle or engine,external pumps may also be used as apart of a comprehensive system offluid service. An external pump may be, for example, an evacuation pumpon a lubrication service truck or “lube truck” or another external, pumpthat may be located either on the lube truck or on an independentportable conduit and dedicated, for example, to supplying newreplacement oil to the engine and equipped with a pressure regulatorvalve.

While the present invention facilitates the removal of fluid frommachines, engines, hydraulic systems and the like, other advantages ofthe invention will become apparent from a perusal of the followingdetailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the inventiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an embodiment of a single-reservoirconduit system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 showing acoupling;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention having apump integrally included in the flow control means;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are two views of a coupling for use with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is diagrammatic view of a conduit, and a coupling for oil purges;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a multiple-reservoirconduit system;

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a service panel for a fluid evacuationsystem;

FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic view of the system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of a fluid evacuation system;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple-reservoir conduit system;

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of another control panel for a fluidevacuation system;

FIG. 16 is an electrical diagram of the system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of a multiple pump fluidevacuation system and;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a replacement fluid conduitsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a portable fluid transferconduit 10 having an inlet port 11 and outlet port 12. Flexiblyextending between inlet and outlet ports 11 and 12 is flexible tubing13. Tubing 13 is preferably made from a natural or synthetic rubbermaterial, braided stainless steel or polymeric extruded material such aspolyethylene or styrene.

A coupling 14 is attached to inlet 11. As shown, coupling 14 is the malemateable end of a quick disconnect coupling more clearly shown in FIGS.5 and 6. Alternatively, coupling 14 can be any type of fitting such as ascrew in or a bayonet type coupling. Preferably, however, a fitting isadapted to the outlet of the fluid source. On devices such as aprelubrication pump similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431, abypass or connector means is easily inserted on the pressure side of thepump to divert the oil from the engine to the fluid transfer conduit 10.An example is disclosed relative to FIGS. 5 and 6 below.

Positioned adjacent outlet port 12 is flow control means 16. Flowcontrol means comprises in one embodiment an electric or mechanicalvalve for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit activated byswitch 17. This embodiment is useful where the fluid source does notincorporate a pump means and/or the fluid is gravity transferred. On theother hand, in the case where means such as a prelubrication device isused, flow control means 16 is preferably a pass through conduit havingswitch 17 sealably mounted thereon. Switch 17 is electrically connectedby conductor 18 to electrical connector 19, which is adapted to connectwith the pump circuit to activate the pump and control the flow offluid. Where flow control means 16 comprises an electric valve,conductor 18 and connector 19 are typically connected to a source ofelectrical power such as a battery terminal, a magnetic switch, relaycontacts or other electromechanical means for activating the pumpingmeans.

To drain a fluid such as oil or hydraulic oil from a piece of equipmentis a simple matter of connecting coupling 14 to the outlet of the pumpand initiating the pump through activation of flow control switch 17 orgravity flow. It should be noted that where a prelubrication pump isused, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431 a valve is not required. Theoutlet port of fluid transfer conduit 10 is positioned at a remote andconvenient location to discharge the fluid into a waste oil-receivingreceptacle. Such waste oil-receiving receptacles are known in the artand may commonly comprise barrels or service vehicles adapted to receiveand transport waste oil or other contaminated vehicle fluids.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fluid transferconduit 20 comprises a conduit 23 having an inlet port 21 and an outletport 22. Inlet port 21 includes a coupling 24, preferably a mateablecoupling as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this embodiment, flow controlmeans 26 comprises a small suction, diaphragm, piston or reciprocatingpump 28 preferably including a battery pack within. Flow control means16 includes activator switch 27 preferably in the form of a “triggerswitch” having guard 29 and grip means 31 to facilitate holding thedischarge end of fluid transfer conduit 20. It should be noted, however,that where a long transfer conduit is contemplated, for example 20 to 30feet in length, it is desirable to locate the pump adjacent or in closeproximity to coupling means 14.

Many types of small portable pumps 28 are commercially available on themarket. A number of pumps are better suited for heavier or more viscosefluids but are not capable of being run with battery power. In suchcases, a power cable such as conductor 18 and connector 19 can be usedin this embodiment as well. Typically, the electrical power required canbe supplied by a vehicle storage battery or an a-c pump can be connectedto an a-c outlet.

The smaller pump means are especially useful in the consumer market andthe larger pumps are especially applicable to the industrial market.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 an example of a preferred coupling means 14and 41 are respectively shown. Coupling means 14 and 41 are adaptable toboth fluid transfer conduit embodiments shown with respect to FIGS. 1and 3. Coupling 41 connects to the engine oil port (not shown) whereascoupling 14 is attached to conduit 10. Such couplings are well known inthe art and comprise a male quick connector fitting 30 and a femalemateable quick connector fitting 32. Also shown is an electricalreceptor 33 for receiving electrical connector 19. It is also possibleto include a sensing means on the coupling to indicate that the sump isdry and signal for shut down of the pump. A cap 34 is shown forprotecting receptor 33 between periods of use. As shown in FIGS. 5 and6, receptor 33 and fitting 32 are mounted on a bracket 36 which is thenconnected to a source of fluid 37, such as a prelubrication pump, nototherwise shown. In this embodiment, fitting 32 is connected in theoutput or high pressure side of the fluid source system. In the case ofa prelubrication system, fitting 32 is interposed in the high pressurepump discharge line between pump and an engine.

As shown in FIG. 6 is a sampling port 39 can be used to sample oil in aprelubrication system where the prelubrication pumps flows in to 37.This has the advantage of providing a live sample of oil withoutrequiring the engine to be running.

As shown in FIG. 7, an additional fitting 40 is attached to an externalair supply 42. Preferably fitting 40 is a female fitting adapted to acouple to air supply (not shown). By attaching an air source to fitting40 prior to or during the removal of oil from the engine, oil residentin the channels can be removed to the sump and the oil in the filtersystem at least partially removed to facilitate removal of the filter,especially if it is hot. Typically, it is desirable to have the sourceof air at a pressure from about 90 to 150 psi.

I have found that a vehicle or other equipment having, for example, anengine reservoir 105, hydraulic fluid reservoir 107 and a transmissionfluid reservoir 109, may be more efficiently serviced and the risks ofenvironmental contamination reduced if the service locations for suchfluids are in relatively close proximity to one another. For example,and without limitation, if the service locations for such reservoirs arewithin about 3-10 feet from one another, service can be accomplished bya single technician and in much shorter times. Also, the risks fromenvironmental contamination caused, for example, by spillage whenseveral lines and fluid containers are disconnected and connected, canbe greatly reduced if a unitary service location is provided.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment for a single-pump multiple reservoirconduit system 100, which may be used, for example, to quickly evacuatethe engine reservoir 105, the hydraulic reservoir 107 and thetransmission or other fluid reservoir 109 of a machine, vehicle or otherapparatus through a quick connect port 112 that may be mounted on abracket 173 or to an evacuation port 153 in a control panel 150,discussed below. A pump 128, and each of the reservoirs 105, 107 and 109are connected to a control valve 116 through a network of conduits 113.The pump 128 may be a dedicated evacuation pump, or it may alternativelybe, for example, an engine prelubrication pump. The network of conduitsincludes a first conduit 400 connected to the hydraulic reservoir 107 ata first end 402 by a first coupling 406, and to the control valve 116 ata second end 404 by a second coupling 408. Similarly, a second conduit410 is connected at a first end 414 to the engine reservoir 105 by afirst coupling 416, and to the control valve 116 at a second end 412 bya second coupling 418. A third conduit 420 is connected at a first end422 to the transmission reservoir 109 by a first coupling 426, and tothe control valve 116 at a second end 424 by a second coupling 428. Afourth conduit 430 is connected to the pump 128 at a first end 432 by afirst coupling 436 and to the outlet port 112 at a second end 434 by asecond coupling 438. A fifth conduit 461 is connected to the pump 128 ata first end 463 by a first coupling 467 and to the control valve 116 ata second end 465 by a second coupling 469.

The control valve 116 is preferably a three-position, four-portdirectional valve, which controls the connection of the pump 128 witheach of the conduits 410, 400 and 420 leading to the reservoirs 105, 107and 109, respectively. The control valve 116 has one default positionwhich, preferably is the engine sump 105 position. The control valve 116and the pump 128 may be operated from a remote bracket 173 by anelectrical evacuator switch attached, for example, to a connector 172,and a toggle selector switch 174, respectively.

As will be appreciated, in the operation of the system of FIG. 8, thecontrol valve 116 determines which of the reservoirs 105, 107 or 109will be in fluid communication with the pump 128 through the conduitnetwork 113. Specifically, the selector switch 174 determines theposition of the control valve 116. The switch connected at connector 172serves as the on-off switch for the pump 128, and may be mounted on thebracket 173 or may be mounted on a tethered switch connected toconnector 172.

In operation, the selector switch 174 controls the position of thecontrol valve 116 to determine which reservoir 105, 107 or 109 will beevacuated. When the switch connected to connector 172 is energized, thepump 128 is energized, thereby providing negative pressure on line 461and, thereby, to the control valve 16. The fluid in the reservoir 105,107 or 109 fluidly coupled to the control valve 116 will be drawn intoline 461, through pump 128, through line 430 and to coupling 112 fordischarge into a suitable receptacle or into a fluid line.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary diagram of the electrical circuitry for anembodiment of the single-pump, multiple reservoir system of FIG. 8. Arelay switch 158 is connected to the motor 162 of the pump 128 to startand stop the pump motor 162 when the start switch connected at 172 isactivated to provide power from a direct current source. The relayswitch 158 stops the motor when a low flow condition is detected in theany conduits 400, 410, and 420 during evacuation by sensor 180. Thecontrol valve 116 is electrically operated through two solenoids 164 and166 connected to a selector switch 174, which is connected to the startswitch connected at 172. The start switch connected at 172 is preferablya single pole, normally open switch, and the selector switch 174 ispreferably single pole double throw switch.

Although three reservoirs are shown in FIG. 8, the number of reservoirsis not limited to three. For embodiments with N reservoirs, for example,there are N reservoir conduits connecting each reservoir with thecontrol valve, such as the conduits 400, 410 and 420 of FIG. 8. A pumpconduit, such as conduit 461, connects the control valve 116 to the pump128, and an outlet conduit, such as conduit 430, connects the pump 128to the outlet port 112. For N reservoirs, the control valve 116 has onedefault position and N−1 selector activated positions.

The control valve 116 may also be operated from a centralized location,such as a service panel. An embodiment of a remote single service panel150 for a single pump, which includes switches for the actuation of thepump 128 and the control valve 116 in addition to switches for ignitionand ports for sampling engine, transmission and hydraulic fluids, isshown in FIG. 10. A selector switch 152 on the service panel 150 isinstead connected to the control valve 116 to enable an operator toselect the reservoir to be evacuated. A switch for controllingevacuation 154, an emergency evacuation stop switch 156, and anevacuation connect port 153 (coupled, for example, to the line 430) forconnecting/disconnecting the pump 128 may also be mounted on the servicepanel 150. Additionally, a transmission oil sampling port 50, an engineoil sampling port 52, and a hydraulic oil sampling port 54 may bemounted on the service panel 150 for with the transmission, engine andhydraulic reservoirs respectively. The service panel 150 may alsoinclude an oil filter 56 having an oil inlet line 44, transmission oilfilter, a fuel filter 58, a fuel separator 60, hydraulic oil filter, aremote ignition selector 62 and an ignition switch 64. It should beappreciated, however, that the service panel need not be a full servicepanel, and it may only include the evacuation system switches. Thus,service locations, such as control panel 150, may be provided forvirtually all vehicle or engine fluid service needs.

An embodiment of the electrical diagram for the service panel of FIG. 10is shown in FIG. 11. A motor relay 76 is connected to the pump motor 80connected to pump 128 to start and stop the pump motor 80 when the start154 and emergency stop 156 switches, respectively, are operated. Therelay switch 76 stops the motor when a low flow condition is detected bysensor 69 during evacuation. The evacuation selector switch 152, whichis electrically connected to the start switch 154 and the and emergencystop switch 156, enables the selective evacuation of the hydraulicreservoir 107 or transmission reservoir 109 through the operation of ahydraulic reservoir solenoid valve coil 65 and a transmission reservoirsolenoid valve coil 67, respectively. The default position in thisFigure is the evacuation of the engine reservoir 105, but it will beappreciated that any of the reservoirs may be chosen as the defaultposition, and that the number of reservoirs may not be limited to three.

As shown in FIG. 12, each of the lines 410, 420 and 400 may also becoupled to a corresponding check valve 170, 170′ or 170″, respectively,to allow flow in one direction only as well as a check valve 170′″around pump 128. Optionally, a line 439 (shown in dotted lines in FIG.11) may be provided with appropriate valving around the pump 128 whichis connected to a quick disconnect coupling 440. In that case, the truckpump 160 of a lubrication evacuation truck may be used to evacuatefluids. The truck pump 160 evacuates through permanent line 472 or quickdisconnect line 474 to a truck waste tank 470. If pump 128 is used andthe truck pump 160 is not used, a conduit 460 may be connected viaappropriate valving through the hard plumbing 472 or quick disconnect474 to the lubrication truck waste tank 470.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate embodiments for a dual-pump multiple reservoirconduit system 200 including a first pump 230 in fluid communicationwith an engine reservoir 505, and a second pump 228 in fluidcommunication with a hydraulic reservoir 507 and a transmissionreservoir 509. However, it will be appreciated that more pumps may beused or the pumps may be connected to different reservoirs within thespirit and scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first pump230 evacuates the engine oil through a first outlet port 312 operatedwith an electrical switch connected to a connector 372 on a remotebracket 373 or mounted on a service panel 250. A first conduit 520 isconnected to the engine reservoir 505 at a first end 522 by a firstcoupling 524, and to the first pump 230 at a second end 526 by a secondcoupling 528. A second conduit 530 is connected at a first end 532 tothe first pump 230 by a first coupling 534, and to the first outlet port312 at a second end 536 by a second coupling 538. The outlet port 312may be connected to a conduit to provide for prelubrication of theengine. Alternatively, the second conduit 530 may also be fluidicallyconnected to a coupling 251 in a control panel 250, discussed below. Thesecond pump 228 is connected to a control valve 616 and evacuates fluidfrom the transmission reservoir 509 or the hydraulic reservoir 407 to asecond outlet port 212 by operating the selector switch 274 and anevacuation switch connected to connector 272 which, together with theoutlet port 212, may be mounted on a second bracket 273. The second pump228 and each of the reservoirs 507, 509 are connected to a control valve616 through of a network of conduits 513. The network of conduits 513includes a first network conduit 540, which is connected at a first end542 to the hydraulic reservoir 507 by a first coupling 546, and to thecontrol valve 616 at a second end 544 by a second coupling 548. A secondnetwork conduit 550 is connected at a first end 554 to the transmissionreservoir 509 by a first coupling 558, and to the valve 616 at a secondend 552 by a second coupling 556. A third network conduit 580 isconnected to the pump 228 at a first end 582 by a first coupling 586 andto the outlet port 212 at a second end 584 by a second quick coupling588. Alternatively, the conduit 580 may be fluidically connected to acoupling 253 on the control panel 250. A fourth network conduit 590 isconnected to the second pump 228 at a first end 592 by a first coupling596 and to the control valve 616 at a second end 594 by a second quickcoupling 598. A flexible conduit 315 may be used connect the outletports 312 or 212 to a waste oil container or to a port of a lubricationtruck leading to a waste oil tank 570 on the lube truck, as shown inFIG. 17. The control valve 616 provides for the selective evacuation ofthe transmission 509 or hydraulic reservoir 507.

FIG. 14 illustrates an electrical diagram for an embodiment of adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system illustrated in FIG. 13.Each pump motor 263 and 262 is connected to a corresponding relay switch258 and 259, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by aportable source of 12V or 24V DC current. First and second motor relayswitches 258, 259 are connected to a first and second normally openstart switches 372 and 272. Between each relay and the correspondingstart switch, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, intervene tostop the corresponding motor when a low flow condition is detected. Asource of electric current is connected to the second relay switch 259,to the selector switch 274 and to the start switch 372 and 272. Atwo-position control valve 216 controls flow to the hydraulic reservoir507 and the transmission reservoir 509, and is shown with a hydraulicreservoir as the default position, although any of the reservoirs may bethe default reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the number of conduits connected to thefirst and second pumps need not be limited to a total of three. Forexample, the first pump 230 may be connected to N₁ reservoirs and thesecond pump 228 may be connected to N₂ reservoirs for a total number ofN=N ₁ +N ₂.

FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of an embodiment where N₁ is equalto 1 and N₂ is equal to 2. In a second example of the same embodiment,N₁ is still equal to 1, but N₂ is a number greater that 2. In the secondexample, the control valve 616 is connected to N₂ reservoir conduits,such as conduits 540 and 550. In both examples, the second pump isconnected to the control valve 616 with pump conduit 590, and to thesecond outlet 212 with outlet conduit 580.

An embodiment for a remote service panel 250 including controls for adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system is shown in FIG. 15. Itincludes start 254 and stop 256 switches, a selector switch 252 andevacuation disconnect ports 251, 253 for the first pump 230 and secondpump 228. A line 900 connected to the unfiltered side of the engine oilfilter head may also be connected to a pressure-regulated air supply topurge the engine of used oil before adding replacement oil through thesame port. On the same service panel sample ports 910, 912, 914 for thetransmission, engine and hydraulic fluid reservoirs respectively may bemounted, as well as a remote ignition selector 918 and a remote ignitionswitch 916.

An embodiment of an electrical diagram for the panel of FIG. 15 is shownin FIG. 16. The pump motors 963 and 962 for the pumps 230 and 228,respectively, are connected to corresponding relay switches 958 and 959,respectively, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by a sourceof 12V or 24V DC current. The first and second motor relay switches 958,959 are connected to the selector switch 252 and a normally closedemergency stop switch 256. Between each relay and the emergency stopswitch 256, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, intervene tostop the respective motor when a low flow condition is detected. Theselector switch 252 is connected to a valve coil 966 and a normally openstart switch 254. In FIG. 16 electrical wiring for the transmissionreservoir is depicted in the selector switch 254, corresponding tocontact points designated with the letter “T”. For clarity, some wiringfor the hydraulic and engine reservoirs, corresponding to contact points“H” and “E” of the selector switch 966 is omitted.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hydraulic diagram for an embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple reservoir evacuation system. The first and second pumps 230 and228 evacuate fluid from each of the selected reservoirs to ports 312 and212, which may be mounted on brackets 373 and 273, respectively, or tothe connectors 251 and 253 on the control panel 250. The flow from eachreservoir 505, 507 and 509 may be controlled in one-way direction bycheck valves downstream from each reservoir. Check valves 705, 707 and709 are connected downstream from the engine reservoir 505, thehydraulic reservoir 507 and the transmission reservoir 509 respectively.Check valves 720 and 722 are also mounted on bypass pipes 71 land 712,respectively, bypassing the first pump 230 and the second pump 228,respectively. A control valve 216, controls flow to the transmissionreservoir 509 and to the hydraulic reservoir 507, and is shown withdefault position to the hydraulic reservoir 507. The discharge frombracket couplings 212 and 312 or control panel connectors 251 and 253may be coupled to a discharge container or to a conduit 315 mounted on alube truck. In that case, evacuated fluid passes through properly valvedline 360 around lube truck pump 160 and directly into reservoir 570.Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the pumps 230 and 228 may bebypassed by lines 574 and 576, respectively, and appropriate valvingprovided in order that evacuation suction may be provided by the pump160 on the lube truck. That discharge may then pass directly to the lubetruck reservoir 570 via a fixed line 372 or a quick connection line 374.

Either single-pump multiple reservoir system described in connectionwith FIGS. 8-12, or the dual-pump multiple reservoir described inconnection with FIGS. 13-17 may be used to remove fluid from any of thereservoirs on a vehicle, by attaching evacuation conduits to thereservoirs as shown in the respective figures, operating the controlvalve to select a reservoir and actuating the pump to pump fluid fromthe selected reservoir to an outlet port for discharge. Additionally,after draining a selected reservoir, replacement fluid may be admittedinto the appropriate cavity as shown schematically in FIG. 18, byattaching to a conduit 972 connected to the unfiltered side of thecavity's filter head 970 a replacement fluid conduit 974, by means of acoupling 976. The coupling 976 is connected to a replacement fluidsource 978. For example, engine oil can be input into line 44 in theembodiment in FIG. 10 or into line 900 in the embodiment in FIG. 15, ineach case before the oil filter head. It should be appreciated that thefluid cavities corresponding to the other reservoirs discussed hereincan also be refilled by inputting replacement fluid on the unfilteredside of the respective filters of such fluid cavities.

The numerous advantages of the invention are manifested in the describedembodiments, which include a versatile and flexible system and methodfor quickly evacuating any chosen reservoir on a vehicle. The evacuationrate may be as high as 90 gallons per minute, thereby considerablydecreasing downtime and realizing significant economic benefits. Theevacuation is performed in a controlled and targeted operation throughdirect conduits to the vehicle fluid system that minimize spilling anddo not require removal of existing insulation shields. Furthermore, theinvention may be used for either limited evacuation service or as atotal fluid service system, which includes fluid evacuation, oil filterpurging, and fluid replacement.

It should be appreciated that all the figures, and in particular thehydraulic and electrical diagrams of FIGS. 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 18,are presented for illustrative purposes and not as constructiondrawings. Omitted details and modifications or alternative embodimentsare within the purview of persons of ordinary skill in the art.Furthermore, whereas particular embodiments of the invention have beendescribed herein for the purpose of illustrating the invention and notfor the purpose of limiting the same, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that numerous variations of the details,materials and arrangement of parts may be made within the principle andscope of the invention without departing from the invention as describedin the appended claims.

1. A fluid transfer system for removing fluids from a plurality ofreservoirs of different types of fluids on an engine powered apparatus,the system comprising: a pump; a common flow controller selectivelycontrolling flow from the reservoirs of different types of fluids to thepump; and a network of conduits arranged to connect: each of saidreservoirs of different types of fluids to the flow controller; the flowcontroller to the pump; and the pump to an outlet port for dischargingfluid removed from a selected one of the reservoirs through the outletport.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is mounted on theapparatus.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoirsinclude engine, transmission and hydraulic fluid reservoirs.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising flexible conduit coupled to theoutlet port.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is mounted on aseparate apparatus.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the apparatus hasa battery for supplying power to the pump.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the pump is handheld.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pumpis powered by alternating current supplied from a remote source ofalternating current.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the outlet portis discharged into a receptacle on a separate vehicle.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control valve is selectively actuated through anelectrical switch.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the electricalswitch is mounted on a bracket adjacent the outlet port.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the electrical switch is mounted on a servicepanel.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid replacementsystem for at least one reservoir fluidically coupled thereto forpermitting corresponding replacement fluid to be added to such reservoirfluidically in advance of a filter for such fluid.
 14. A fluid transfersystem for removing fluids from a plurality of reservoirs of differenttypes of fluids on an engine powered apparatus, the system comprising: apump; a common flow controller selectively controlling flow from thereservoirs of different types of fluids to the pump; a plurality ofreservoir conduits coupling each of said reservoir of different types offluids to the flow controller; a pump conduit coupling the flowcontroller to the pump; and an outlet conduit coupling the pump to anoutlet port for discharging fluid removed from a selected one of thereservoirs through the outlet port.
 15. The system of claim 14, whereinthe pump is mounted on the apparatus.
 16. The system of claim 14,further comprising a fluid replacement system for at least one reservoirfluidically coupled thereto for permitting corresponding replacementfluid to be added to such reservoir such that the replacement fluidflows through a corresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.17. A fluid transfer system for removing fluid from first, second andthird reservoirs of different types of fluids on an engine poweredapparatus, the system comprising: a first pump; a first network ofconduits coupling the first reservoir to the first pump and the firstpump to a first outlet port for discharging fluid removed from the firstreservoir through said first outlet port; a second pump; a control valveselectively controlling flow from the second and third reservoirs to thesecond pump; and a second network of conduits coupling: each of thesecond and third reservoirs of different types of fluids to the controlvalve; the control valve to the second pump; and the second pump to asecond outlet port for discharging fluids removed from a selected one ofthe second and third reservoirs through said second outlet port.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the first and second pumps are mounted onthe apparatus.
 19. The system of claim 17 wherein the first pump is anengine prelubrication pump.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein thefirst reservoir comprises an engine oil reservoir, and the second andthird reservoirs comprise transmission and hydraulic reservoirs,respectively.
 21. The system of claim 17, further comprising first andsecond conduits coupled to the first and second outlet portsrespectively.
 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the first and secondoutlet ports discharge into at least one waste receiving receptacle. 23.The system of claim 17, wherein the apparatus has a battery forsupplying power to the first and second pumps.
 24. The system of claim17, wherein the first pump is handheld.
 25. The system of claim 17,wherein the second pump is handheld.
 26. The system of claim 17, whereinthe first pump is powered by alternating current supplied from a remotesource of alternating current.
 27. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one of the outlet ports discharges into a receptacle on a separatevehicle.
 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the first pump is activatedthrough a first electrical switch.
 29. The system of claim 28, whereinthe second pump is actuated through a second electrical switch.
 30. Thesystem of claim 29, wherein the first electrical switch is mounted on afirst bracket.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the second electricalswitch is mounted on a second bracket.
 32. The system of claim 29,wherein the first and second electrical switches are mounted on aservice panel.
 33. The system of claim 29 wherein the first and secondoutlet ports are mounted on a service panel.
 34. The system of claim 29,wherein the first electrical switch is mounted on a first panel.
 35. Thesystem of claim 34 wherein the second electrical switch is mounted on asecond panel.
 36. The system of claim 30, wherein the first bracket isadjacent to the first outlet port.
 37. The system of claim 31, whereinthe second bracket is adjacent to the second outlet port.
 38. The systemof claim 17, further comprising a fluid replacement system for at leastone reservoir fluidically coupled thereto for permitting correspondingreplacement fluid to be added to such reservoir such that thereplacement fluid flows through a corresponding filter prior to enteringthe reservoir.
 39. A fluid transfer system for removing fluid fromfirst, second and third reservoirs of different types of fluids on anengine powered vehicle, the system comprising: a first pump; a firstreservoir conduit coupling the first reservoir to the first pump; afirst outlet conduit coupling the first pump to a first outlet port fordischarging fluid removed from said first reservoir through said firstoutlet port; a second pump; a control valve selectively controlling flowfrom the second and third reservoirs of different types of fluids to thesecond pump; and a second reservoir conduit coupling the secondreservoir to the control valve; a third reservoir conduit coupling thethird reservoir to the control valve; a second pump conduit coupling thecontrol valve to the second pump; and a second outlet conduit couplingthe second pump to a second outlet port for discharging fluid removedfrom a selected one of said second and third reservoirs through saidsecond outlet port.
 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the first andsecond pumps are mounted on the vehicle.
 41. The system of claim 39,wherein the first pump is actuated through a first electrical switch.42. The system of claim 41, wherein the second pump is actuated througha second electrical switch.
 43. The system of claim 42, wherein thesecond electrical switch is mounted on a second bracket.
 44. The systemof claim 43, wherein the second bracket is adjacent to the second outletport.
 45. The system of claim 42, wherein the first and secondelectrical switches are mounted on a service panel.
 46. The system ofclaim 45 wherein the first and second outlet ports are mounted on aservice panel.
 47. The system of claim 41, wherein the first electricalswitch is mounted on a first bracket.
 48. The system of claim 47,wherein the first bracket is adjacent to the first outlet port.
 49. Thesystem of claim 39, further comprising at least one sampling port for acorresponding reservoir.
 50. The system of claim 39, further comprisinga fluid replacement system for at least one reservoir fluidicallycoupled thereto for permitting corresponding replacement fluid to beadded to such reservoir such that the replacement fluid flows through acorresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.
 51. A fluidtransfer system for removing fluid from a plurality of reservoirs ofdifferent types of fluids on an engine powered vehicle including a firstfluid reservoir and two or more other reservoirs of different types offluids, the system comprising: a first pump; a first reservoir conduitcoupling the first reservoir to the first pump; a first outlet conduitcoupling the first pump to a first outlet port for discharging fluidremoved from said first reservoir through said first outlet port; asecond pump; a control valve selectively controlling flow from the otherreservoirs of different types of fluids to the second pump; and otherreservoir conduits, each of the other reservoir conduits coupling one ofthe other reservoirs of different types of fluids correspondingly to thecontrol valve; a second pump conduit coupling the control valve to thesecond pump; and a second outlet conduit coupling the second pump to asecond outlet port for discharging fluid removed from a selected one ofsaid other reservoir through said second outlet port.
 52. The system ofclaim 51, wherein the first and second pumps are mounted on the vehicle.53. The system of claim 51 wherein the first pump comprises a gear pump.54. The system of claim 51 wherein the second pump comprises a gearpump.
 55. The system of claim 51 wherein the first pump is an engineprelubrication pump.
 56. The system of claim 51, further comprising afluid replacement system for at least one reservoir fluidically coupledthereto for permitting corresponding replacement fluid to be added tosuch reservoir such that the replacement fluid flows through acorresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.
 57. A fluidtransfer system for removing fluid from first, second and thirdreservoirs of different types of fluids in connection with an enginepowered vehicle having a first pump supported on the vehicle andoperably connected to the first fluid reservoir, the system comprising:a first network of conduits arranged to connect by couplings the firstpump to a first outlet port for discharging fluid from said firstreservoir through said first outlet port; a second pump; a control valveselectively controlling flow from the second and third reservoirs ofdifferent types of fluids to the second pump; and a second network ofconduits arranged to connect: each of the second and third reservoirs ofdifferent types of fluids to the control valve; the control valve to thesecond pump; and the second pump to a second outlet port for dischargingfluid from a selected one of the second and third reservoir through saidsecond outlet port.
 58. The system of claim 57 wherein the first pump isan engine prelubrication pump.
 59. The system of claim 57, furthercomprising a fluid replacement system for at least one reservoirfluidically coupled thereto for permitting corresponding replacementfluid to be added to such reservoir such that the replacement fluidflows through a corresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.60. A system of total fluid service for an engine powered vehicle havingat least two reservoirs of different types of fluids including a firstfluid reservoir and at least one other reservoir of a different type offluid, the system comprising: a fluid evacuation system having a pumpcoupled to said first and at least one other reservoir for selectivelyremoving fluids from the reservoirs of different types of fluids; and adetachable fluid replacement system for selectively adding replacementfluids to the reservoirs of different types of fluids.
 61. The system ofclaim 60, wherein the fluid replacement system comprises: a portablereplacement fluid conduit having a first and a second end, the first endconnectable to a new fluid source and the second end detachablyconnectable to a corresponding fluid cavity coupled to one of thereservoirs such that the replacement fluid flows through a correspondingfilter prior to entering the reservoir.
 62. The system of claim 61,further comprising a flow meter valve attached to the replacement fluidconduit to regulate flow from the new fluid source to the correspondingfluid cavity.
 63. The system of claim 62, wherein the first pump isactuated through a first electrical switch, the control valve isselectively actuated through a second electrical switch, and the firstand second electrical switches are mounted on a service panel.
 64. Thesystem of claim 63 wherein the first and second outlet ports are mountedon the service panel.
 65. The system of claim 60, wherein the fluidevacuation system comprises: a first pump; a first reservoir conduitcoupling the first reservoir to the first pump; a first outlet conduitcoupling the first pump to a first outlet port; a second pump; a controlvalve selectively controlling flow from at least one other reservoir tothe second pump; and at least one other reservoir conduit, each of theother reservoir conduits coupling one of the other reservoirscorrespondingly to the control valve; a second pump conduit coupling thecontrol valve to the second pump; and a second outlet conduit couplingthe second pump to a second outlet port.
 66. The system of claim 65,wherein the first pump is actuated through a first electrical switch,the second pump is actuated through a second electrical switch, thefirst electrical switch is mounted on a first service panel and thesecond electrical switch is mounted on a second service panel.
 67. Thesystem of claim 66, wherein the first outlet port is mounted on thefirst service panel and the second outlet port is mounted on the secondservice panel.
 68. The system of claim 65, wherein the first pump isactuated through a first electrical switch and the second pump isactuated through a second electrical switch.
 69. The system of claim 68,wherein the first and second electrical switches are mounted on abracket.
 70. The system of claim 68, wherein the first electrical switchis mounted on a first bracket and the second electrical switch ismounted on a second bracket.
 71. The system of claim 65, wherein atleast one sampling port for a corresponding reservoir is mounted on aservice panel.
 72. The system of claim 60, further comprising a fluidreplacement system for at least one reservoir fluidically coupledthereto for permitting corresponding replacement fluid to be added tosuch reservoir such that the replacement fluid flows through acorresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.
 73. A fluidtransfer system for removing fluid from at least three reservoirs ofdifferent types of fluids on an engine powered vehicle including a firstreservoir and at least two other reservoirs of different types offluids, the system comprising: a first pump; a first reservoir conduitcoupling the first reservoir to the first pump; a first outlet conduitcoupling the first pump to a first outlet port for discharging fluidremoved from said first reservoir through said first outlet port; asecond pump; at least one other reservoir conduit, each of said otherreservoir conduits coupling said other reservoirs to the second pump;and a second outlet conduit coupling the second pump to a second outletport for discharging fluid removed from a selected one of said otherreservoir through said second outlet port.
 74. The system of claim 73,further comprising a fluid replacement system for at least one reservoirfluidically coupled thereto for permitting corresponding replacementfluid to be added to such reservoir such that the replacement fluidflows through a corresponding filter prior to entering the reservoir.75. A fluid transfer system for removing fluids from a plurality ofreservoirs of different types of fluids on an engine powered apparatus,the system comprising: a pump fluidically coupled to each of saidreservoirs; and a pump controller operably connected to the pump; and aflow controller coupled between the reservoirs and the pump to controlfrom which reservoir fluid is removed.
 76. The system of claim 75wherein said flow controller comprises a control valve.
 77. The systemof claim 76 wherein the controls for said pump controller and said flowcontroller are mounted on a service panel.
 78. The system of claim 75wherein said pump is mounted on said apparatus.
 79. A fluid transfersystem for removing fluids from a plurality of fluid reservoirs ofdifferent types of fluids on an engine powered vehicle, the systemcomprising: a pump; a control valve assembly; a plurality of fluidconduits fluidically coupling said plurality of fluid reservoirs to saidcontrol valve assembly, fluidically coupling said control valve assemblyto said pump, and fluidically coupling the pump to an outlet port;wherein the plurality of reservoirs comprise at least two of engine oil,transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid reservoirs of said vehicle, andsaid control valve assembly is operable to selectively communicate aselected one of the plurality of reservoirs with said pump through atleast one said fluid conduit for draining said selected one of theplurality of reservoirs through said outlet port.
 80. The system ofclaim 79, wherein the pump is mounted on the vehicle.
 81. The system ofclaim 79, further comprising a flexible conduit coupled to the outletport.
 82. The system of claim 79, wherein the pump is mounted on anapparatus separate and remote from said vehicle.
 83. The system of claim79, wherein the vehicle has a battery and the pump is operativelycoupled to, so as to be selectively powered by, the battery.
 84. A fluidtransfer system for removing fluids from first, second and third fluidreservoirs of different types of fluids on an engine powered vehicle,the system comprising: a first pump; a first network of fluid conduitsfluidically coupling said first reservoir to said first pump andfluidically coupling the first pump to a first outlet port fordischarging fluid removed from the first reservoir; a second pump; acontrol valve assembly; a second network of fluid conduits fluidicallycoupling said second and third reservoirs to said control valveassembly, fluidically coupling said control valve assembly to saidsecond pump, and fluidically coupling the second pump to a second outletport; wherein the first reservoir comprises an engine oil reservoir ofsaid vehicle, and the second and third reservoirs comprise transmissionand hydraulic reservoirs, respectively, of said vehicle and said controlvalve assembly is operable to selectively communicate a selected one ofsaid second and third reservoirs with said second pump through at leastone of the fluid conduits of said second network of fluid conduits fordraining said selected one of said second and third reservoirs throughsaid outlet port.
 85. The system of claim 84, wherein the first andsecond pumps are mounted on the vehicle.
 86. The system of claim 84,further comprising first and second flexible conduits coupled to thefirst and second outlet ports, respectively.
 87. The system of claim 84,wherein the vehicle has a battery and the first and second pumps areoperatively coupled to, so as to be selectively powered by, the battery.88. The system of claim 84, further comprising a first electricalcontrol switch operatively coupled to said first pump to selectivelycontrol actuation thereof, said first switch being disposed remote fromsaid first pump, adjacent the first outlet port.
 89. The system of claim84, further comprising a controller for controlling said control valveassembly to select the selected one of the plurality of reservoirs forcommunication with said pump, said controller being provided remote fromsaid control valve assembly.
 90. The system of claim 84, wherein thefirst pump comprises a prelubrication pump mounted on the vehicle. 91.The system of claim 84, further comprising a controller for controllingsaid control valve assembly to select the selected one of the second andthird reservoirs for communication with said second pump, saidcontroller being provided remote from said control valve assembly.